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Uncle Dave Kiser passes on

We’ve heard this week from several readers about the death of David Kiser, known for years to bluegrass lovers in and around Lexington, KY as Uncle Dave. He was a regular performer at regional festivals and a familiar voice on WRFL, hosting Blue Yodel #9 on alternate Saturday mornings.

Kiser passed away on November 8 at home, succumbing from a cancer which was diagnosed earlier this year.

One reader, Blake Jones, shared this remembrance of Uncle Dave.

Dave was such a wonderful man, a true lover of bluegrass music and musicians. Everyone was welcome in his jam circle, no matter their talent level. I often took my small sons to jam sessions organized by Dave and I loved his broad smile and pure joy at seeing them try to play their little mandolins.

Jones also especially asked that we let our readers know about a scholarship that has been established in Kiser’s memory, the Uncle Dave Kiser Spirit of Bluegrass Scholarship Fund, which will provide tuition assistance for students at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music at the Hazard Community and Technical College in Hyden, KY.

About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.